How to Set Up Your Google Play Store Account

Overview

To publish your app on the Google Play Store, you need a Google Play Developer account and a service account with a JSON key for automated deployments. This guide walks you through creating your account, setting up a service account, and obtaining the credentials needed to deploy your app.

Prerequisites

• A Google account.
• A one-time US$25 registration fee for the Google Play Developer account.
• An Android mobile device (required for account verification).
• A contact phone number.

1. Create a Google Play Developer Account

1. Go to the Google Play Console sign-up page.
2. Sign in with your Google account.
3. Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement and pay the one-time US$25 registration fee.
4. Complete your developer profile with your name, email, and website.

2. Verify Your Identity and Account

Google requires identity verification before you can publish apps. This process can take several days, so start early.

1. Identity verification: Google will ask you to verify your identity with a valid government-issued ID. Follow the prompts in the Play Console to submit your documents.
2. Phone number verification: Provide a contact phone number and verify it via SMS or phone call.
3. Android device verification: Google requires you to verify ownership of an Android device. You’ll be prompted to confirm a device linked to your Google account.
4. Wait for approval: Identity verification typically takes 2–5 business days, but can take longer. You’ll receive an email when your account is approved.

3. Create Your App in Google Play Console

1. In the Google Play Console, click Create app.
2. Fill in the app name, default language, and select whether it’s an app or game.
3. Select Free or Paid.
4. Accept the declarations and click Create app.

4. Set Up a Google Cloud Service Account

A service account allows automated tools to upload builds and manage your app on your behalf.

1. In the Google Play Console, go to Setup → API access.
2. If prompted, link your Google Play Console to a Google Cloud project. Click Link an existing project or Create a new project.
3. Under Service accounts, click Create new service account.
4. Follow the link to the Google Cloud Console to create the service account.
5. Give it a descriptive name (e.g., “fytkit-play-deploy”).
6. Click Done (no additional roles are needed at this step — permissions are granted in the Play Console).

5. Generate the Service Account JSON Key

1. In the Google Cloud Console → Service Accounts, find the service account you just created.
2. Click the three-dot menu (…) and select Manage keys.
3. Click Add Key → Create new key.
4. Select JSON and click Create.
5. A .json file will download automatically. Store it securely — this is your deployment credential.

6. Grant Permissions in Google Play Console

1. Go back to the Google Play Console → Setup → API access.
2. Your new service account should appear in the list. Click Grant access.
3. Under App permissions, select your app and grant the following permissions:
   • Release to production, exclude devices, and use Play App Signing
   • Release apps to testing tracks
   • Manage testing tracks and edit tester lists
4. Click Invite user and then Send invite.

7. Upload Your Service Account Key to fytkit

1. Open the downloaded .json file in a text editor.
2. Copy the entire contents of the file.
3. In your fytkit dashboard, navigate to Settings → App Deployment → Google Play.
4. Paste the JSON key into the Service Account Key field.
5. Click Save.

Summary